Aquinas Argues That There Are Three Basic Human Incli 134091

Aquinas Argues That There Are Three Basic Human Inclinations

Aquinas argues that there are three basic human inclinations: the inclination to preserve life, procreate, and pursue knowledge and truth. These are based on specific aspects of human nature: as existent beings, as animals, and as rational beings, respectively. According to Aquinas, acting in accordance with these inclinations fulfills our function as human beings. The question posed is whether this list of basic inclinations is comprehensive or if other fundamental inclinations should be considered essential to fulfill our human function. If other inclinations are identified, they would be grounded in different aspects of our nature, and an argument must be provided to support this position.

Examination of Aquinas’s Basic Human Inclinations

Aquinas’s moral philosophy emphasizes that human beings are naturally inclined toward certain ends or goods, which serve as the foundation for moral behavior. The three inclinations he proposes are rooted in our nature: preservation of life as a consequence of our existence, procreation as an aspect of animal nature, and pursuit of knowledge and truth as characteristic of rational beings. These inclinations ensure the continuation and flourishing of human life on both a biological and intellectual level, aligning with divine and natural law.

However, critics and philosophers have argued that this list may not encompass all the fundamental aspects of human nature necessary for fulfilling our overall human function. For example, some propose the inclusion of social or moral inclinations that reflect our innate desire for community, justice, and moral development. These considerations suggest that our social nature and moral aspirations could be viewed as additional primary inclinations vital to human fulfillment.

Potential Additional Basic Inclinations

One significant candidate for an additional basic inclination is the innate desire for social connection and community. Humans are inherently social beings; from birth, individuals seek companionship, cooperation, and social belonging. This inclination is grounded in our nature as beings who find identity and purpose through relationships with others. The importance of social bonds is reinforced by modern psychological research indicating that social connection is essential for mental health and well-being (Baumeister & Leary, 1995).

Moreover, the inclination toward moral development or justice might be considered foundational. Humans possess an inherent sense of right and wrong, fairness, and justice, which guides moral behavior beyond mere biological or rational pursuits. This moral inclination ensures social cohesion and the development of ethical communities, which are necessary for human flourishing in complex societies (Kant, 1785; Rawls, 1971).

Additionally, the pursuit of happiness or eudaimonia — flourishing in a holistic sense — might be viewed as central to human nature. While Aquinas emphasizes intellectual pursuits, a broader understanding of human fulfillment includes emotional and spiritual dimensions. Aristotle’s concept of eudaimonia underscores the importance of virtue development and emotional well-being, which are integral to living a complete human life (Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics).

Arguments Supporting the Expansion of Basic Human Inclinations

Supporting these additional inclinations relies on examining human nature from biological, psychological, and philosophical perspectives. The innate desire for social connection is observable cross-culturally and historically, underpinning the importance of community in human survival and flourishing (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010). Ignoring this inclination might overlook an essential dimension of our nature that contributes to a fulfilled human life.

Similarly, the moral inclination toward justice and fairness is intuitively recognized and philosophically defended by thinkers like Kant, who asserted that moral law is grounded in rational nature (Kant, 1785). Recognizing this inclination ensures that human actions align with principles that promote societal harmony and individual dignity.

From an Aristotelian perspective, inclinations toward achieving eudaimonia encompass intellectual, moral, and emotional dimensions. These facets are interconnected, and neglecting any one of them could compromise the comprehensive fulfillment of our human function.

Conclusion: An Expanded View of Human Inclinations

While Aquinas’s original list provides a robust foundation based on human biological and rational natures, it could be argued that the complexity of human life necessitates considering additional fundamental inclinations. The innate desire for social connection, moral development, and personal happiness are critical aspects of human nature that contribute to our overall fulfillment and societal harmony. Embracing these inclinations offers a more comprehensive understanding of what it means to fulfill our human function, aligning with modern and classical philosophical insights.

In conclusion, a holistic view of human nature recognizes these additional inclinations as vital for genuine human flourishing. Such an expanded perspective better captures the multifaceted reality of human existence and ensures that our understanding of our fundamental nature does not overlook essential aspects of what it means to be human.

References

• Aristotle. (2009). Nicomachean Ethics (R. Crisp, Trans.). Cambridge University Press.
• Baumeister, R. F., & Leary, M. R. (1995). The Need to Belong: Desire for Interpersonal Attachments as a Fundamental Human Motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 117(3), 497–529.
• Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals.
• Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., & Layton, J. B. (2010). Social Relationships and Mortality Risk: A Meta-analytic Review. PLOS Medicine, 7(7), e1000316.
• Rawls, J. (1971). A Theory of Justice. Harvard University Press.